NSW Deputy Premier John Barilaro won't run in Eden-Monaro - ABC News

NSW Deputy Premier John Barilaro has announced he will not run for the federal seat of Eden-Monaro.

Mr Barilaro, the NSW Nationals leader, had said he was considering contesting the seat, which is currently held by Labor's Mike Kelly.

Mr Kelly resigned last week due to health issues.

But Mr Barilaro today said he would not throw his hat in the ring.

"The polling showed that I could win, but sometimes in this game you let ego get in the way of good decisions and I've got to make the best decision for me, my family, for the people of New South Wales and more importantly for the people of Eden-Monaro," he said.

"They've been through hell and back with the fires, COVID, drought.

"The last thing we need is an argy-bargy about what is right for that seat."

NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian said she was "extraordinarily pleased" Mr Barilaro would stay in his current role.

Mr Barilaro said he wanted the people of Eden-Monaro to know they had not been forgotten.

"We will be working hard for you regardless and continue on in the footsteps of Mike Kelly," he said.

The move paves the way for NSW Transport Minister and Bega MP Andrew Constance to step forward for the seat, but Mr Barilaro denied that had been part of his decision-making.

"Andrew and I were never, ever going to race or compete against each other," he said.

Mr Barilaro had confirmed last week he was considering entering the race for the seat but he said he would take the weekend to make a decision.

Dr Kelly, a long-serving Labor MP, announced his resignation on Friday in a move he said was "gut-wrenching".

He has undergone multiple medical procedures over recent months to address renal system damage caused by severe dehydration during military tours in Iraq, Somalia and East Timor.

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2020-05-03 22:12:00Z
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